Photograph by: Robin Dunk
Video by: Aichkaye
Photos by: Melanie Rickard
Nullawil is a small country town in the Wimmera - Mallee region of Victoria with a population of approximately 300 people on a good day.
On the 5th of July 2019, the local silos in the middle of town became the new centrepiece when artist Sam Bates, aka Smug, took to a cherry picker and commenced painting. Just 14 days later, they were complete.
Prominently featured on this silo is Jimmy the kelpie dog as he sits with a close companion; could it be his owner Darren?
The Dog Tag
As a 'nod' to the history of Nullawil the registration disc worn by Jimmy has a 'galah' and 'stick' engraved on it. The name of the town is derived from two Aboriginal words, 'Nulla' which means killing stick, and "Wil' derived from the term "willock' meaning Galah.
This amazing artwork could not have been possible without the help of some of the following:
Juddy Roller, the most amazing street art network coordinators and Margaret Pollington and her amazing committee of dedicated silo members. The Victorian government for their grant from "Pick My Project", Corey Vallance for his replica silo donation box, Activaterail, V-line, Vic Track and Humphreys Haulage.
Nullawil is now the 32nd silo to be included in the Australian Silo Art Trail, just pipping Karoonda at the post by a few days.
